Today, Richard and I made a trip to Carmel Valley to check out the new Local Color Gallery. It was a fine day, and a fine ride.

Local Color has been selling my paintings out of their Big Sur gallery and store since 2009, and my prints for the last 4 years. The gallery has relocated after their store on Highway One in Big Sur village closed the end of last year. Long an institution in the Big Sur area, the two women owners brought about a rebirth into Carmel Valley after the building housing their store was sold. We delivered new paintings for them to offer for sale in the Carmel Valley location, replacing their first two sales of my paintings from the new storefront. The gallery is now located inside the Big Sur Vineyards wine tasting room at 1 Del Fino Place in Carmel Valley Village. (We are fond of red wine, and we very much liked their Big Sur Red.)

The drive to Carmel Valley lacks some of the drama of the Big Sur coast but is a bit easier on the turns and climbs. Traveling up Carmel Valley Road is a beautiful, pastoral ride. Fields and meadows line the road, and the Carmel Mountains make a great backdrop on the right as you climb. It's about 15 minutes (11 miles) up from Highway One in Carmel to the village of Carmel Valley. You are out traveling through the countryside. Upon arrival in the village, you'll find hiking is available nearby in Garland County Park and there are numerous shops, restaurants, and wine tasting rooms in the village to entertain you for a day. Stop in Wednesday thru Sunday afternoons and say hello to Francesca, one of Local Color's owners, who is usually at the gallery or helping to pour wine on a busy weekend.

Francesca and Michele with new paintings!